Dustin Gandof
Cherry blossoms are a beloved symbol of springtime in the United States, with their delicate pink and white flowers adorning parks and gardens across the country each year. Whether you’re a nature lover, a photographer, or just looking for a beautiful spot to relax and soak up the scenery, there are plenty of places to see cherry blossoms in the U.S. Here are sixteen of the best:
1. University of Washington, Seattle, Washington: With over 130 Yoshino cherry trees lining the Liberal Arts Quadrangle, this is one of the most famous cherry blossom spots in the country.
2. Macon, Georgia: Known as the “Cherry Blossom Capital of the World,” Macon boasts over 350,000 cherry trees and hosts an annual Cherry Blossom Festival each spring.
3. Nashville, Tennessee: The city’s Cheekwood Estate & Gardens offers stunning views of Japanese cherry trees that bloom in shades of pink and white.
4. St. Louis, Missouri: The Missouri Botanical Garden is home to a large collection of cherry blossoms, including the native Ozark Big Tree cherry tree.
5. Boston, Massachusetts: Visitors to the Arnold Arboretum can enjoy the blooming of weeping cherry trees, among others.
6. Brooklyn Botanic Garden, New York: The garden boasts over 200 cherry trees in a variety of species, including the rare Okame cherry.
7. Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: This historic park boasts over 1,000 cherry trees at their peak bloom, creating a breathtaking display.
8. Newark, New Jersey: Branch Brook Park is home to more than 5,000 cherry trees, the largest collection in the United States.
9. Vancouver, Washington: The city’s namesake cherry tree, the Vancouver cherry, was developed in the 1940s and remains a popular attraction today.
10. Washington, D.C.: The National Mall is the most famous cherry blossom destination in the country, with trees gifted to the U.S. by the mayor of Tokyo in 1912.
11. Atlanta, Georgia: The Atlanta Botanical Garden features a “Canopy Walk” that offers visitors an up-close view of the garden’s cherry trees.
12. Rochester, New York: The Highland Park festival is home to over 1,200 cherry trees and offers a variety of activities for visitors.
13. Durham, North Carolina: The Sarah P. Duke Gardens at Duke University is home to a collection of Prunus mume cherry trees, which bloom earlier in the season than other varieties.
14. Chicago, Illinois: Chicago’s Jackson Park is home to over 200 cherry trees, making it one of the top destinations in the Midwest.
15. Portland, Oregon: The Portland Japanese Garden features a stunning cherry blossom display every year, with over 1,000 cherry trees in a variety of species.
16. Salem, Oregon: The Oregon State Capitol’s cherry trees were gifted to the state by Japan in 1990 and bloom each spring to create a stunning display.
Cherry blossoms are beloved by many for their delicate beauty and fleeting nature, making the sight of them all the more special. Whether you’re a seasoned cherry blossom chaser or just looking to experience the magic of these stunning trees, there’s sure to be a destination on this list that will take your breath away.
